Charles Leclerc has set Ferrari a clear target for the closing races: return to winning rather than simply protect second in the Constructors’ Championship. Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, he explained that finishing behind Mercedes would bring limited satisfaction.

Ferrari arrives in Austin 105 points ahead of McLaren, but Red Bull’s resurgence adds uncertainty to the final rounds. Leclerc wants the team to focus on each race and pursue victories, allowing the championship position to follow from those results.

The Scuderia’s most recent win remains his British Grand Prix success in July. Singapore offered encouraging pace, but Leclerc finished behind Max Verstappen. He rejected Isack Hadjar’s assessment that Ferrari had the fastest car at Marina Bay.

Lewis Hamilton also tempered expectations of a technical breakthrough in Texas. During the press conference, he described Ferrari’s upgrade as very small, worth roughly half a tenth. In his assessment, Red Bull has matched Ferrari through the corners while retaining an advantage on the straights.

Leclerc also expects Mercedes to unlock more from its latest components and McLaren to respond with its own package. That leaves Ferrari in a contest where small differences could decide the outcome.

Austin therefore presents the Scuderia with two tasks: make better use of its existing speed and show it can interrupt Red Bull’s momentum. Victory would deliver more than points. It would provide a stronger finish to the campaign and encouragement for next season.

Source: Formula1.com · FIA